Washington State Bonding Program Welcome to the WA State Bonding Program Fidelity Bonding

What is Fidelity Bonding? It is insurance to protect employers against employee dishonesty. The bonding program is an insurance for employers.

Fidelity Bonding and why is it needed? To restore confidence in employers who view ex-offenders and other at-risk job seekers as potentially untrustworthy workers and thereby deny them employment To provide insurance for at-risk job seekers that other insurance companies will not insure It’s an incentive to the employer to hire an at risk job applicant It’s a unique tool for marketing applicants to employers The fidelity bonding program helps people with barriers who would not get bonding through commercial bonding agencies get bonded.

Fidelity Bonding and what it does cover. Employer loss due to worker dishonesty on the job Any type of stealing: theft, forgery, larceny, embezzlement It covers any loss due to dishonesty of the worker i. e. theft, forgery, larceny, embezzlement…

Fidelity Bonding and what it does NOT cover. Liability due to poor workmanship, job injuries, work accidents, etc. Bail bonds or court bonds needed in adjudication Bonding needed for self-employment It does not cover poor workmanship, injuries (anything covered by L&I), it is not a court bond, it is not for self employment

Who is eligible for Bonding? Any at-risk job applicant including: Ex-Offenders Recovering substance abusers (alcohol & drugs) Welfare recipients Individuals with poor credit history Dishonorably discharged veterans Anybody with a barrier that a commercial bonding Co. will not bond qualifies for this bond.

Continued from previous page. Economically disadvantaged persons who lack a work history Anyone who cannot get a job without being bonded Anyone already employed but needs bonding in order to: (1) prevent being laid off or (2) secure a transfer or promotion continued

Who is NOT eligible for Bonding? Individuals bondable through commercial carriers Individuals who have defaulted on a previous fidelity bond Individuals who are self-employed Individuals who are not of legal working age (Eligibility age is 14 years old (with limitations) in Washington State) A person is not eligible for this bond if they (read bullets)

How are bonds issued? Bonds are issued in increments of $ 5,000 up to $ 25,000 In most cases a $ 5,000 bond is sufficient Bonds in the amount of $ 10,000 up to $ 25,000 have to be justified Bond amounts are based on how much potential loss an employer could incur 5000$ increments, depending on the job.

How do Bonds work? Bonds can be issued as soon as the employee has a hire date The coverage for the bond is for a period of 6 months Bonds are self terminating after 6 months There is no deductible and the employer gets 100% insurance coverage The bond is at no cost to the employer or employee No papers need to be signed by the employer or applicant After the bond expires continued coverage can be purchased by the employer. Contact the Washington State Bonding Coordinator for more information Need hire date, good for 6 months (keep reading bullets)

Bonding process Agency staff or Employer will: Screen for client eligibility Negotiate amount of bonding Complete “Washington State Bonding Certification Form” and fax to State Bonding Coordinator State Bonding Coordinator will: Determine eligibility Complete the form and mail to Washington DC Send confirmation letter to employer Provide technical assistance and training Describe bonding process: agency staff or employer screen for client eligibility, bonding coordinator will complete the process.

References The McLaughlin Company, The Federal Bonding Program, A US Department of Labor Initiative. Retrieved 7/31/09 from http://www.bonds4jobs.com/ Go on line to see more about the McLaughlin Company.

Washington State Bonding Contact Information Washington State Bonding Coordinator Employment Security Department Offender Employment Services Attn.: Candee Bellamy PO Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98507-9046 cbellamy@esd.wa.gov www.wa.gov/esd/oes Phone: 360-902-9685 Toll Free: 800-339-3981 Fax: 360-902-9662 My contact

Back up contact Attn.: Tami Wallace PO Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98507-9046 twallace@esd.wa.gov www.wa.gov/esd/oes Phone: 360-902-9695 Toll Free: 1-800-339-3981 Fax: 360-902-9662 Back up contact

STEVE’S SNOHOMISH COUNTY APPROACH HAVE YOUR JOB APPLICANT GO TO ANY WORKSOURCE OFFICE AND ASK FOR HELP GETTING A “BONDING LETTER”, THIS IS USUALLY A SHORT PROCESS AND THE APPLICANT WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A LETTER STATING THEIR ABILITY TO BE BONDED THAT THEY CAN OFFER AT THE TIME OF THEIR INTERVIEW. PROFESSIONAL CONTACT (not for clients) Susan Stewart – Employment Security Dept. 425 258 6305